Which part of the ear contains the three small bones called ossicles?

The middle ear is the correct choice as it is the anatomical region that houses the three tiny bones known as ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones play a crucial role in the process of hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The middle ear acts as a mechanical lever, amplifying the sound vibrations, which allows for improved hearing sensitivity.

The outer ear comprises the parts you can see, including the pinna and the ear canal, but it does not contain any bones. The inner ear is responsible for converting the sound vibrations into nerve impulses but is not where the ossicles are located. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize pressure but, similarly to the outer ear, does not contain the ossicular chain. Thus, the middle ear is specifically designed to include these essential bones, making it integral to the hearing mechanism.